Receiving a Revenu Québec request for information can be stressful for any business owner, especially when the letter asks for documents, explanations, or clarification about your tax filings. These requests are issued when Revenu Québec needs additional proof before processing a return, releasing a refund, or closing an audit review. Responding correctly is essential because incomplete or late responses often lead to reassessments, penalties, interest, or escalated audits. This guide explains how to interpret a Revenu Québec request for information, what documents you must prepare, how to respond professionally, and how to avoid common mistakes that trigger further scrutiny. Proper handling of these requests can protect your business from unnecessary tax exposure and demonstrate compliance.

A Revenu Québec request for information can relate to GST, QST, income tax, payroll deductions, corporate tax, rental income, business expenses, or sales validation. It may come through email, mail, or secured message in your online Revenu Québec portal. Understanding the purpose of the request and providing organized, audit-ready documentation is the most effective way to resolve the matter quickly. The more accurate and complete your response, the faster Revenu Québec closes the file.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Revenu Québec has the legal authority under the Tax Administration Act to request documents, invoices, contracts, bank statements, bookkeeping records, and any information necessary to verify the accuracy of a tax return. Taxpayers are required to respond to these requests by the deadline provided, usually 10 to 30 days. Failure to respond may result in automatic reassessment, denial of tax credits, interest charges, or additional audit procedures. Requests for information are part of the normal compliance process and allow Revenu Québec to verify the validity of tax claims and deductions.

The law requires taxpayers to maintain all supporting documentation for at least six years after the end of a taxation year. When Revenu Québec asks for documents, they expect clear, complete, and organized evidence supporting the amounts reported. Providing proper documentation and responding within the timeframe demonstrates that your business is compliant and reduces the chance of an expanded audit.

KEY COURT DECISIONS

Several Quebec and Canadian court decisions show that failing to respond to a Revenu Québec request for information can lead to justified reassessments. Courts consistently rule that the burden of proof is on the taxpayer. In multiple GST/QST and income tax cases, taxpayers who provided incomplete documentation or delayed responses faced penalties and were unsuccessful in appeals. The courts support Revenu Québec’s right to request documents and deny claims when taxpayers cannot produce adequate evidence.

In past rulings, judges noted that taxpayers must maintain accurate records and produce them promptly when requested. Verbal explanations are not enough. Courts have also emphasized that proper documentation, invoices, and proofs of payment must match the amounts reported in the tax return. These precedents reinforce the importance of organized and timely responses.

WHY CRA AND REVENU QUÉBEC TARGET THESE ISSUES

Revenu Québec sends information requests when something in a tax return requires clarification. Common triggers include large refunds, inconsistent numbers between GST/QST and income tax filings, missing slips, unusually high business expenses, cash-intensive industries, and incomplete supporting documentation. Requests can also occur when Revenu Québec is checking compliance in specific industries or following automated alerts in their risk systems.

A request for information does not mean you are being audited, but it can lead to a full audit if the response is incomplete or raises questions. When taxpayers respond clearly with proper documents, Revenu Québec usually closes the file without further action. When taxpayers ignore requests or send disorganized documents, the situation escalates quickly.

MACKISEN STRATEGY

At Mackisen CPA, our approach to responding to a Revenu Québec request for information is systematic and precise. We begin by reviewing the letter in detail to identify exactly what Revenu Québec is asking for. We then match each item requested to your bookkeeping records, invoices, receipts, contracts, bank statements, or payroll reports. Our team prepares a complete package of organized documents that follow the structure of the request, making it easy for the auditor to verify the information.

We write a clear explanation letter that outlines each supporting document, responds to every question, and clarifies any discrepancies in your records. When required, we contact Revenu Québec to request extensions, confirm receipt of documents, or clarify ambiguous questions. Our goal is to resolve the inquiry quickly and minimize the risk of reassessment. If the request reveals errors or missing information, we correct them proactively before Revenu Québec escalates the file. Mackisen also assists clients with uploading documents directly to the Revenu Québec portal and ensuring all communications are tracked.

REAL CLIENT EXPERIENCE

One of our retail clients received a Revenu Québec request for information because their GST/QST refund was unusually high for the quarter. They were asked to provide invoices, bank statements, and proof of GST/QST paid. The client had incomplete records, and the refund was placed on hold. Mackisen reconstructed their bookkeeping, matched every invoice to payments, organized the documents, and submitted a full package. The refund was released within two weeks.

Another client in the consulting sector received a request for information regarding their business expenses and travel deductions. Revenu Québec questioned whether the expenses were business-related. Mackisen prepared detailed explanations, receipts, and proof of payment. The reimbursement claim was accepted without adjustments.

A restaurant owner failed to respond to a request for information due to misunderstanding the letter. Revenu Québec reassessed them for several thousand dollars. Mackisen intervened, provided the required documents, and successfully filed an objection to reduce the assessment significantly.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What should I do when I receive a Revenu Québec request for information
Read the letter carefully, identify the documents needed, organize them clearly, and respond before the deadline.

What happens if I ignore the request
Revenu Québec may issue a reassessment, deny credits, or escalate to a full audit.

Can I request more time to respond
Yes. You can contact Revenu Québec and request an extension if you need additional time to gather documents.

What documents are usually requested
Invoices, receipts, bank statements, bookkeeping ledgers, payroll records, contracts, proof of payment, and GST/QST documentation.

Does a request for information mean I am being audited
Not necessarily, but a poor or incomplete response can lead to a full audit.

WHY MACKISEN

With more than 35 years of combined CPA experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps businesses stay compliant while recovering the taxes they’re entitled to. Whether you’re responding to a simple request for information or navigating a complex audit, our expert team ensures precision, transparency, and protection from reassessment risk. We prepare, organize, and respond to Revenu Québec on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome.